At 5:30 p.m. I walked through the back door of Barton Hall and was instantly transported to a realm of bustling designers, smizing models and swarming photographers hopping between tables. Littered throughout the back half of Barton are tables covered in food and makeup, bookended by racks of hanging garment bags with polaroids of the looks embedded in a see through cover. Models are simultaneously eating pizza while touching up their eyeliner in portable makeup mirrors, zipping up their outside jackets over their clothes just in case of an accidental slip up. Designers have yet to slip into their outfits for the show, running around in their streetwear before donning their runway regalia before the start of the show. From a designer sheepishly admitting that they’ve been up working for 72 hours straight to newly appointed 15th president of Cornell University, Michael Kotlikoff, chatting with a model backstage, the array of people and activities was endless. The dedication and passion was palpable, made even more clear by the push to continue working in the hours and minutes leading up to the show.
In the hour between doors opening and the commencement of the show, models were instructed to line up and get in order for their impending galavant down the runway. A growing clump of 20 then 50 then 160 people begin their migration towards the line, eventually making a 60-foot cue in the back half of Barton Hall. Models huddled in groups around their designer, pops of flash booming simultaneously on opposite sides of the rooms, the aura becoming a swirl of anticipation and anxiety. Finally at 7:16 p.m. the ensemble of executive board members began their strut down the aisle.
The Cornell Fashion Collective (CFC) held their 41st annual fashion show at Barton Hall this past Saturday night, Mar. 22, spotlighting their incredible designers, models and executive board that helped to make this magical night happen. The show was once again kicked off by the two co-presidents: Julia Roos Winter ’24 and Mattie Nguyen ’25, the reigning leaders of the 2024-2025 CFC. After the procession of E-board members, the show was set into motion.
Level 1 was tasked with creating a garment using only white fabric. This mission was meant to push designers out of their comfort zone, encouraging them to experiment with texture, shape and materiality. The procession of white fabric began, but each design was so unique that the onlooker began to forget about the color and was drawn instead to the shapes and designs of these pieces. The use of textures and fluidity was especially shown during level 1’s designs. From an all denim look to a white chiffon dress, the looks were an expression of intellect and individuality.
Level 2 sent out a pair of models in cohesive looks showcasing the designer's range of creativity and also their understanding of how to create a consistent theme. Models strutted down in looks ranging from ’70s inspired fringe pants to iridescent almost flower-like silhouettes. Each set of looks mirrored the designers inspiration, whether it be the texture or the cultural background, each pair of looks reflected a clear consistency.
Level 3 tasked designers to create a collection of four to six looks demonstrating their inspirations ranging from insects to water to the designer's own experiences growing up. The procession of models — each designer's models walking out to a song specially picked for their collection — sashayed down the runway with their specially curated walks and poses chosen to convey the designer’s message. Level 3 was a range of personal and intimate designs created to invoke a special reaction for their onlookers.
Level 4, the highest level, worked hard to create the biggest collection of looks with an overarching theme that created a consistently exciting viewing experience. With each collection came a new sight and sonic affair; music and fashion intersecting to convey the subject of the assemblage. One collection, by Zada Stuart ’25, challenged “anthropocentric perspectives that enable the exploitation of nature” and honored both women and cow through showcasing a collection of garments that intertwined both woman and animal. Her second to last look toyed with the parts of the female body that are epicenters of motherhood; as she framed these egresses in beads. Another collection especially deserving of a shoutout was Marcus McDermott’s ’25, “Immutable Beauty.” His work of ready-to-wear clothing mixed with androgynous silhouettes, such as a long black pleated skirt, made his collection a timeless work of fashion that showcased designs beloved throughout the years. The dedication from the senior designers was discernible, another deserved appreciation goes to Maria Fernanda Serra Almeida Leite ’25 who acted as both Creative Director and level 4 designer, displaying Cornell students' drive and passion.
In their final display of fashion, the models and designers walked the runway in a fluid stream of color, texture and shapes. The final procession marked the ending of this eclectic display of fashion and creativity; while also marking the final CFC show for the seniors, a bittersweet ending to their creative journeys.
Eve Riskind is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. She can be reached at elr229@cornell.edu
